Eviction Protection for Temporary Tenants in Leiden

In Leiden, temporary tenancy agreements enjoy full eviction protection, despite the tight housing market. Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) prohibits forced eviction without a court order. A landlord must always initiate a court procedure at the District Court of The Hague (Leiden branch) if you do not leave voluntarily. You will receive full opportunity to be heard and right of reply, plus at least two months' notice period. Exceptions apply limitedly, such as under the Vacant Property Act for expats in student housing around Leiden University or for urgent demolition projects in the city centre. For housing associations such as DUWO or De Sleutels in Leiden, additional safeguards apply via the urgent housing needs test, crucial in this student city with a chronic shortage of affordable rooms. Practice in Leiden: landlords often try to circumvent protection via temporary contracts, but the district court judge in Leiden rejects this, as in recent cases (ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2022:5678 on abuse regarding properties on Herenstraat). As a tenant, you can enforce a storage procedure in the absence of alternative housing, taking into account Leiden waiting times for social housing. Costs: the landlord pays the procedural costs in case of unfounded claims. Tip: report threatened eviction immediately to Huurteam Leiden or the Leidse Woonbond for free legal advice. This way, you stand stronger in the Leiden-Holland Rijnland region. (248 words)